Outside of Tom Brady, perhaps the most discussed and analyzed quarterback this week has been Everett Golson int he early-going of the week. Not much time slips by without some sort of updated report or commentary on the transferring quarterback, who most recently was playing for Notre Dame. There have been multiple reports regarding where he may or may not be allowed to go after graduating from Notre Dame, so let’s hit pause and recap where we stand at this point in time, which will be sure to change shortly after hitting the publish button on this post.
A week ago Golson made his intent to transfer known to Notre Dame and head coach Brian Kelly (who must have been surprised if his public statements hold water). The decision to transfer was not at all unexpected. As a graduate transfer, it was expected Golson would be eligible to transfer anywhere in the country and play this fall. A few days later it was reported Notre Dame would block Golson from transferring to any school appearing on the 2015 schedule for the Irish, seemingly throwing cold water on any thought of Golson landing at Texas (Notre Dame’s season-opening opponent). Big Ten schools were also thought to be off the table. However, our friend Keith Arnold reports via Inside the Irish that Notre Dame Athletics Director Jack Swarbrick was quick to deny any suggestion of Notre Dame blocking a transfer.
Not long after that news surfaced it looked as though Florida State was emerging as a leading candidate. The Seminoles were among the 10 schools Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com reported were on Golson’s transfer list. Other options, according to McMurphy, include Alabama, South Carolina and UCLA. Golson also reportedly visited Florida State on Monday. None of the options on Golson’s reported list include schools appearing on Notre Dame’s 2015 schedule, although once again Swarbrick is on record saying Notre Dame did not block any transfer options for Golson.
Golson can transfer to a school in the SEC, but as previously discussed thanks to information shared by Barrett Sallee of Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report, there would be a waiver process to land Golson at an SEC program.
So to recap; Golson can transfer anywhere, FSU looks to be the favorite, Notre Dame not blocking his transfer and SEC options require a waiver. Got all that? OK, good. There will be a quiz later, unless this story changes in the next 10 minutes.
UPDATE: As expected, news of Golson visiting Florida broke just as this post was set to be published.Story on former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson’s Tuesday visit to Gainesville to check out Florida. http://t.co/2Sv0b95hJw
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) May 12, 2015